See the Spectacular Sandbars of Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary

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More than 12 years after the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary was opened to the public in 2001, this piece of paradise amid the sea is now the top tourist destination in the island-province of Masbate. The sanctuary has a 250-hectare white sandbar and is located in the sea waters off Barangays Nursery and Tugbo. The Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary is one of the best destinations in the province frequently visited by local and foreign tourists.

The sanctuary is home to pelagic fishes but fishing is strictly prohibited in this area. It is classified as No. 2 most resilient marine sanctuary on climate change adaptation in Central Philippines. It accentuates the eco-tourism aspect of the so called Albay-Sorsogon-Masbate (Almasor) alliance created by the Bicol Regional Development Council.

The Buntod Marine Sanctuary is home to unique marine life forms and beautiful coral gardens, making it also an ideal diving spot for snorkeling, scuba diving and bird watching. The sandbar has nipa huts and cottages for tourists. Today, this reef is considered as one of the top marine sanctuaries in the country. Read More: http://www.cebu-philippines.net/masbate-buntod-reef.html

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Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary ranked as the Philippines second most resilient coral reef area in terms of broad-scale and local-scale factors (Bucol et.al, 2011). It occupies 20 hectares of core zone and 100 hectares of buffer zone.

The reef discovery theme of the ecotourism in Buntod Marine Sanctuary would offer quality reef guiding services and sumptuous local meals which are offered by these all male-group. Fun learning and discovery would be part of the whole experience as tourists appreciate the beauty and marvel of corals and the other life forms that it support including humans. Likewise, environmental principles and the simple way of practicing it in everyday life would be also be injected in the interpretation. Read More: http://masbatecity.gov.ph/buntod-marine-sanctuary/

BUNTOD REEF

Photo from: http://www.matetreyes.com/2012/03/path-less-traveled-masbate-part-2.html

Because I really had no idea of what Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary is before going there, I honestly didn’t expect to be greeted with a stretch of fine white sandbar that leads to a mangrove sanctuary. It was my closest encounter with mangroves and the feeling was surreal. Read More: http://justinvawter.com/budget-guide/explore-masbate-buntod-reef-marine-sanctuary/

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